Free The Children - University of Toronto Chapter

WE: Free the Children UofT's official letter regarding the COVID-19 outbreak
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Dear change makers,

As many of you already know, the University of Toronto has cancelled all events and classes as of March 16, 2020 in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is a necessary change to our usual routine as it is highly encouraged for everyone to practice social distancing and remain in their homes for the duration of this outbreak.

As a result of this, all future events, meetings, and office hours hosted by WE: Free the Children UofT has been cancelled. We believe that this is for the best interest of all members of the club and the greater UofT community. Any events and volunteering opportunities will be postponed to either this summer or the following fall, depending on the status of the COVID-19 outbreak. On that note, we would like to specify that our annual Spring Elections, where we elect a brand new executive team, will not be organized. Instead, we will be opening all executive positions at our Fall elections.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank each and every one of you for being involved in WE: FTC this year. We have made a lot of new friends and great memories. The passion and commitment that you have shown this year continue to inspire me to become a better citizen and leader in this community. Always remember that no matter what happens in the world around us, no effort is too small or insignificant to make a change. So be kind and be bold. We hope to see you again for another, equally exciting, year this fall 2020.

Best,
Patricia Ponce
President, WE: Free the Children UofT
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You are not alone. If you are in need of resources during this difficult time, please reach out to any of the listed:

Good2Talk Student Helpline | 1-866-925-5454
Professional counseling, information and referrals helpline for mental health, addictions and students well-being.

My Student Support Program (My SSP) | 1-844-451-9700. Outside of North America, call 001-416-380-6578.
Culturally-competent mental health and counselling services in 146 languages for all U of T students.

https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/feeling-distressed

If in an emergency, call 911.

Happy February! Drop by our office hours this month to learn more about the club and how you can get involved.
February 3, 10 AM to 12 PM
February 13, 4 to 6 PM
February 24, 10 AM to 12 PM

Important note: there will be no office hours during reading week!

“rafiki" in Swahili means "friend"
Come by our booth and make Rafiki bracelets for you and your friends! Learn about what a Rafiki is and how it is a source of income for Mamas in Kenya. See you at the Sidney Smith lobby from 1-4 PM on these days:
Monday, February 3
Wednesday, Febraury 5
Thursday, February 6

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Help us run the ticket booth and FTC info table at the Dancing with the Varsity Blues event.
Jan. 29, 7-10 PM

3 DAYS until DANCING WITH THE VARSITY BLUES 3 is back! But have you heard? We are changing locations! We will now be at Alumni Hall (121 St. Joseph St) Room 100. Catch the same talent and fun but at a different scene. Buy your tickets now!! $5 online, $7 at the door!

Valentine’s Day is around the corner! Wondering what you can get for your partner, friends, or for yourself? How about the gift of Education and Opportunity for those in need? With a purchase of any of these products, you can change a life. Interested? Go to www.freethechildrenuoft.weebly.com to learn more, see all the products and order!

Order before February 3 to get your products in time for Valentine’s Day!

and present our annual Dancing with the Varisty Blues show🎉🎉🎉
Once upon a time, everyone thought that varsity athletes couldn’t dance, and dance is not a sport. No one imagined them coming together to dance and raise money for charity... until this incredible event!
Proceeds from ticket sales will be going towards charity WE:Free the Children and OHDC’s end-of-year show “Ripple”. Tickets are for $5 online, or 7$ at the door. This event SOLD OUT last year!
Follow us for team reveals and more surprises on the page bit.ly/dwtvb2020 and here. Be sure to use our hashtag and to share your DWTVB journey!

Introducing our brand new initiative, WE Are Rafikis! Buy your rafikis through and contribute to both our local causes and to .

💙 What are rafikis?
🤍 “rafiki” in Swahili means “friend”. Each Rafiki bracelet is made and sold by a Kenyan Mama to earn a living for themselves, and in turn, send their children to school and take charge of their future!

💙 What is WE Are Rafikis?
🤍 WE Are Rafikis is a fundraising initiative. With every purchase of a Rafiki bracelet, 50% of the sale goes back to in support of the Kenyan Mamas and the other 50% goes back to in support of the Education and Opportunity pillar.

💙 How do I order?
🤍 Visit our official website (www.freethechildrenuoft.weebly.com) and fill out the Order Form under the “Order” tab. Once you are done, submit it and one of our execs will get back to you within 7 business days!